City Council

Thursday, June 9,2016
Minutes



ST. GEORGE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
WORK MEETING
JUNE 9, 2016, 4:00 P.M.
ADMINISTRATIVE CONFERENCE ROOM

PRESENT:
Mayor Jon Pike
Councilmember Michele Randall
Councilmember Joe Bowcutt
Councilmember Bette Arial
Councilmember Ed Baca
City Attorney Shawn Guzman
City Manager Gary Esplin
City Recorder Christina Fernandez

EXCUSED:
Councilmember Jimmie Hughes

OPENING:
Mayor Pike called the meeting to order and welcomed all in attendance. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was led by Gregg McArthur and the invocation was offered by Russ Cashin with the Free Spirit Community.

Mayor Pike mentioned that he attended an open house at TURN Community Services and showed the Council a picture drawn by a disabled young man in four minutes. Additionally, he mentioned other artistic things done by people with disabilities.

PRESENTATION FROM DIXIE STATE UNIVERSITY:
Jordan Sharp, Chief Marketing Director, with Dixie State University presented a PowerPoint presentation covering the following topics: A Bison’s Trail; Lets become a University Town; The Blending of Communities: Town and Gown Relationships at Colleges; University of Memphis; Iowa State University; Washburn University’s; Dixie State University; A Bison’s Trail; Sponsor Package; Artist Package; Possible Locations; and Questions. Mr. Sharp explained the bison are fiberglass. They are fairly sturdy and are not extremely expensive.

City Manager Gary Esplin stated that he feels this is a great opportunity. This is something that is done all over the Country.

Mr. Sharp mentioned there will be a panel to choose artists, some of which will be Dixie State University students.

Mayor Pike asked Support Services Director Marc Mortensen to work with Mr. Sharp on placement and quantity.

City Manager Gary Esplin explained that if the bison are allowed in a public right-of-way, they may have to be approved by legal. If placed on private property and out of the public right-of-way, there shouldn’t be any issues.



St. George City Council Minutes
June 9, 2016
Page Two

PRESENTATION FROM THE ARTS COMMISSION REGARDING THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ARTS RELATED RAP TAX GRANT FUNDING:
John Kessler, Chairman for the Arts Commission, introduced members of the Commission who were present. He explained that the Arts Commission recently discussed applications and provided a handout outlining their recommendations. No applicants were denied. He outlined the requirements for applying for the funding.

Mayor Pike clarified that these recommendations are a draft - the Council will make the final decision.

Mr. Kessler commented that more can be accomplished by using existing resources. They will be holding a conference later in the year to help artists network. The Arts Commission meets monthly and has many community representatives. Because many organizations need space, after their recommendations, they held $42,000 to earmark for helping to fund future facilities.

Mayor Pike explained that he is concerned that this is not how it was advertised. The advertisements were very specific in stating that the funds for the arts would be used to strengthen arts organizations and to assist fund operations of the Electric Theater. With just completing the Electric Theater which is essentially an arts center, he believes arts organizations need to be strengthened so they can afford to pay rent and utilities. He mentioned that he discussed the Hale Center Theatre with the Sandy City Mayor. Sandy City used their bonding ability to bond for half the cost and will be paid back using rent from the Theatre; the other half came from the Hale Center Theatre.

City Manager Gary Esplin commented that he has concerns with funding sources as RAP tax funds may be gone in ten years. The right location will have to be determined and property would have to be secured; acquiring the site will be costly.

Councilmember Arial explained the groups requesting grants are looking for an arts center.

City Manager Gary Esplin commented that the City cannot do this alone; others in the County need to pitch in.

Mr. Kessler mentioned that one tenant is efficiently utilizing the Opera House and the Electric Theater is being used by others. Part of their arts conference workshops will teach attendees how to run a business, which is what these groups need to learn.
Mayor Pike stated that he hopes the economy continues to grow. Because it is tax based, more funding was available than estimated. He mentioned some of City projects that are being funded using RAP tax money.

Councilmember Arial commented that there is no commitment to fund these groups annually.


St. George City Council Minutes
June 9, 2016
Page Three

Councilmember Randall voiced her concerns that if funds are earmarked for a performing arts center, she worries that people will say that the City is building one prematurely.

Mr. Kessler commented the vision is to help the groups manage each other. He added that there is no guarantee that funds will be available every year.

Gregg McArthur explained that he felt comfortable that the amounts allocated to each group was helping, but not overfunding them.

Rob Schmitt commented when looking at calculations, the Commission considered how much the groups were requesting versus their current budget. Having them rely completely on these grants sets them up for failure.

DISCUSSION REGARDING THE 2016-2017 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET:
City Manager Gary Esplin mentioned the budget will be adopted next week. Although it is currently at 9%, he hopes to keep the general fund balance at 11%. During the rating process, it is asked why the fund balance went from 11% to 9% as it is a trend they do not want to see continue. He outlined items the Council may want to consider as funds were not recommended, they are as follows: increases for part time employees at approximately $160,000, playground at Sandtown Park at $150,000, repairs at Hidden Valley Park at $317,000, Dixie Red Hills clubhouse at approximately $400,000, an EMT position for the Fire Department at approximately $76,000, restructuring at the Police Department at approximately $65,000, funds for professional services in Parks Planning at $15,000, and replacing the Sand Hollow Aquatic Center dome, cost unknown. The Golf division has ceased issuing new cache cards - next week’s agenda will list a proposed fee resolution which will include a loyalty card for the golf courses. The Council may also want to consider the following: purchasing additional cemetery property and completing the first phase of Worthen Park upgrades at $688,000. He explained that there are some funds that have not been allocated in the current revenue structure. The fire impact fund has enough funds for the proposed fire station in Little Valley.

A discussion took place regarding updating the City’s ordinances. Mayor Pike explained that it would take quite a bit to do so as the project may need to be outsourced to work along with City staff.

City Manager Gary Esplin commented which ordinances need to be updated first has to be determined. Each department head would have to be involved in the process. His priority would be those regarding land use. A consultant would take model ordinances, compare them to current City codes and make recommendations.

City Attorney Shawn Guzman noted that it is difficult to find anyone with ordinances that are up to date. Hiring a consultant would be ideal.

Councilmember Bowcutt commented that there is no progress being made.

St. George City Council Minutes
June 9, 2016
Page Four

City Manager Gary Esplin noted that current ordinances are up to date and codified. If the Council would like to change or repeal an ordinance they can do so. As land uses change every day, he feels that is where it should start. Each department will have to determine which ordinance they feel are critical.

City Attorney Shawn Guzman added that he can give the Council a list and mentioned that he would like to begin with the zoning ordinances.

After discussing which ordinances are of most concern to them, the consensus of the Council is to allocate $50,000 toward this project.

Administrative Services Director Deanna Brklacich mentioned that RAP tax items include design for the mountain bike skills park and Tonaquint park design and land. A special projects fund has been created to keep track of RAP tax projects.

City Manager Gary Esplin explained the recommendation for water rates is to do a $.10 pass through and a $.20 for a repair and replacement fund in the Water Department to use for aging infrastructure. One option is to consider doing away with the free 5,000 gallons of water on current billing. The proposed increase averages about $3 per month.

Water Services Director Scott Taylor clarified that annually, overall the increase is an 8% average.

City Manager Gary Esplin stated that information regarding unbilled services and the proposed increase has been sent to customers. It is recommended to not increase airport parking fees; however, parks and recreation fees will increase slightly.

Administrative Services Director Deanna Brklacich outlined the proposed fee changes in Leisure Services and Development Services.

Mayor Pike mentioned that he received a letter with a number of signatures supporting upgrades at Sandtown Park.

After discussion, the consensus of the Council is to fund the following: upgrades at Sandtown Park, repair the tennis courts at Hidden Valley Park, the clubhouse at the Dixie Red Hills Golf Course, the purchase of corrals and chutes for the SunBowl using RAP tax funds, possibly purchasing portable restrooms for use at the rodeo and other special events, and phase 1 of Vernon Worthen Park upgrades.

City Manager Gary Esplin provided an update on the All Abilities Park.

A discussion took place regarding cemetery lot sales and the need for additional land.

Mayor Pike mentioned the City’s branding efforts that will need approximately $50,000 and increases for part time employees, both of which the Council expressed their okay to fund.
St. George City Council Minutes
June 9, 2016
Page Five

After discussing the restructuring in the Police Department, the Council decided to fund the two proposed promotions. Additionally, they discussed Matt Loo’s position and job title as well as human services type needs in the community.

Mayor Pike mentioned that he will recommend a new City Treasurer next week and the possibility of additional destinations at the airport.

The Council agreed to fund the professional services in Parks Planning and to hire a consultant to review the ordinances, but not to contribute funds to the Days of ‘47 event.

REPORTS FROM MAYOR, COUNCILMEMBERS AND CITY MANAGER:
Councilmember Randall asked the Council about contributing $900 to the veteran’s monument at Dixie State University.

ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION:
MOTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Randall to adjourn to a closed session to discuss land issues.
SECOND: The motion was seconded by Councilmember Bowcutt.
VOTE: Mayor Pike called for a roll call vote, as follows:

Councilmember Randall - aye
Councilmember Bowcutt – aye
Councilmember Arial – aye
Councilmember Baca – aye

The vote was unanimous and the motion carried.

The meeting adjourned following the closed session.




________________________________
Christina Fernandez, City Recorder